Duke Basketball: 2020-21 keys to beat North Carolina Tar Heels at home

3. Wendell Moore to be the x-factor in this game

One of the biggest things that have prevented Duke from taking it to the next level this season has been the uneven play of sophomore Wendell Moore. He struggled mightily to start the season and at one point was at the end of the bench and not playing.

But the wing/forward came alive at the start of the year, scoring 25 points against Boston College in a win. Moore has been in the rotation ever since, including starting in the last four games. He’s been off and on, including 18 against Miami and four versus Georgia Tech.

The Blue Devils have to be patient with Moore because they only have three proven double-digit capable scorers on the roster (Hurt, Roach, Steward). The others can’t even be relied on to even score five points in a given game. Moore’s play is needed for Duke to not only beat North Carolina, but the rest of ACC play in order to make the Big Dance.

In this matchup, Moore has a chance to excel. He’ll likely be guard by Walton on the wing or could play some small-ball forward to create a mismatch against the larger forwards for the Tar Heels. Hurt will have his hands full and trusting freshmen in rivalry games can be tricky.

The sophomore, whose draft stock has plummeted this season, has a major opportunity to impress scouts in a marquee matchup. He may end up being the reason the Blue Devils get a massive victory.